Residence permits are under the spotlight again after the Council of Europe found violations in equal opportunities for foreigners in Turkey.
The Council’s European Committee of Social Rights, which regularly investigates conditions in European Social Charter countries, found a number of breaches in foreigners’ rights, specifically pointing out residence permit applications as being too restrictive.
Residence permits have been a hot topic among Turkey’s expats for a number of years. The current law states tourists may stay in Turkey for 90 days, and those who wish to stay longer must apply for a residence permit. Obtaining a residence permit involves a certain amount of red tape – not to mention confusion and time – for the average expat. It doesn’t help that regulations and fees change frequently, and the information is anything but consistent. Many expats instead choose to live in Turkey on a 90-day renewable tourist visa, which means a trip out of the country every three months for renewal.
However, the good news is that Turkish authorities are starting to realise the trouble expats are having obtaining residence permits and have begun to make a concerted effort to drastically cut down the red tape involved in the process.
To reduce the long wait, applicants can now make an appointment online before visiting the necessary government department (usually at a police station). What’s more, applicants can visit yabancilar.iem.gov.tr to download the documents they need to apply.
If you would like to know more about residence permits or the process of obtaining one, please contact one of our consultants on 0800 068 3359.
